Chhath Puja 2023: November is a month of festivities, starting with Diwali, followed by Bhai Dooj and then Chhath. Many states, including Delhi, are gearing up for the celebration of Chhath, which will begin from 17th November and continue till 20th November. Chhath is a major festival in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand, where it is celebrated with much enthusiasm. The 4-day festival involves worshipping the sun god, Surya, who is also regarded as the god of energy. Chhath is also known by different names such as Surya Shashthi, Chhath, Chhathi, Chhath Parv, Dala Puja and Dala Chhath in different regions. According to the Hindu calendar, Chhath falls on the sixth day of the month 'Kartik'. It is believed that performing Chhath brings happiness and prosperity in life.
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During Chhath, women observe a 36-hour waterless fast for the welfare of their family and children. The festival will start with Nahay Khay on 17th November, followed by Kharna on 18th November. Chhath Puja will be observed on 19th November, when Arghya will be offered to the setting sun. On 20th November, Arghya will be offered to the rising sun, marking the end of the festival. Read on to know more about Chhath Puja.
Chhath Puja 2023: Chhath Puja Date and Time
Chhath Puja Day 1
17th November
Nahaye Khaye
Sunrise at 06:45 AM
Sunset at 05:27 p.m.
Chhath Puja day 2
18th November 2023
Kharna
Sunrise at 06:46 AM
Sunset at 05:26 p.m.
Chhath Puja Day 3
19th November 2023
Chhath Puja, Evening Arghya
Sunrise at 06:46 AM
Sunset at 05:26 p.m.
Chhath Puja Day 4
20th November 2023
Usha Arghya, Day of Paran
Sunrise at 06:47 AM
Sunset at 05:26 p.m.
Source (Drikpanchang.com)
Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is dedicated to Lord Sun, and during this fast, Arghya is offered to the Sun. Prayers are offered to the rising and setting sun for prosperity in life and well-being of family members. Many people observe a 36-hour Nirjala fast before offering Arghya to the Sun and eating traditional foods after the puja. Devotees fast for the whole day in the initial days and have one meal after performing the puja. On the third day, the fast continues throughout the night and is completed after taking a dip in the water body and offering prayers to the Sun the next day.
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What Are The Traditional Dishes Made On Chhath Puja?
On all four days of Chhath Puja, vegetarian food is prepared without onion, garlic or regular salt. But there are some traditional food items which are commonly made on Chhath Puja, such as Kaddu Bhaat, Lal Saag and Rasiyav. Thekua is a popular Prasad offered on Chhath Puja, which is made by mixing jaggery and wheat flour. Thekua is a delicious snack, but it can become hard after making it several times. Today we are going to share some tips to make your Thekua soft and perfect, so let's check out these special tips:
Chhath Puja 2023: How To Make The Perfect Thekua?
1. Thekua is made well only when its dough is kneaded properly. Keep in mind whether you are using flour or plain flour to make Thekua. If you are using flour, then knead it with lukewarm water only.
2. To make soft thekua, you can use milk instead of water.
3. While making thekua, pay full attention to its shape, it should neither be too thin nor too thick, only then it will cook well from inside.
4. Never fry thekua in hot oil or cold oil. This will make them hard later.
5. While frying thekua, pay attention to the temperature of the oil, always fry it on medium flame only.
Click here for the complete recipe of Thekua.
So, on this occasion of Chhath Puja, make Thekua with these tips and include it in the Prasad. Happy Chhath Puja 2023!